Return on investment
Filed under: Education | Tags: career, college access, Education, entitlement, income, purpose of education, social stratification, wall street journal |
I’ll eventually start writing more about my actual dissertation topic, but I came across this story and video in the Wall Street Journal today and wanted to share it. In a nutshell, WSJ is explaining one of the realities that exists within higher education today…that is, a college degree no longer guarantees someone with a “good” wage upon graduation. We’ve all heard stories about the English major now waiting tables at a local diner, right? Well that story can be applied to a whole bunch of different college majors today. However, when we continue to talk about college diplomas and salaries we tend to lose sight of some other important realities that go along with educational attainment…
I worry that the more we talk about the private returns on an education (i.e. salaries and job security), we ignore the societal benefits education provides. Not to sound too bleeding-heart liberal here, but honestly, there’s a lot to be said for the public side of this discussion and WSJ doesn’t want to even look at it.
We’ve come to believe a college degree is just like any other consumptive good – people pay for it, so they expect some tangible return on their investment. A lot of people like to compare “purchasing” a college degree to purchasing a vehicle. The story goes something like this: Johnny is poor and can only afford a Yugo, Sally is rich and can afford a Mercedes. So, Johnny should attend the community college down the road and Sally should go to the Ivy League. You’ve got to live within your means, right? That’s what they say.
Seriously, I’ve heard people make this argument before and the way this WSJ article discusses education only perpetuates this point of view. They say a degree is all about getting a good job. Who cares about the role colleges play in opening people’s minds, fixing social problems, or critiquing the status quo? Of course income and job opportunities are important, there’s no denying that, but let’s not lose sight of what a college education can contribute to society as a whole rather than just to Johnny or Sally.
Interesting. Continued education is about self-fulfillment, becoming a well rounded individual, and having your mind “twisted” so you can see alternative points of view. The basic product coming out of college should be a diversified and more understanding person- the future leaders of Utopia.
However, this poor boy didn’t go to college to become a S.C.U.D. (Sensitive Caring Understanding Dude). I went to college to increase my earning potential. I didn’t want to toil in the same “factory” jobs my patriarchs did before me. I got my B.S. for the money.
A degree doesn’t guarantee a good job anymore. I figured my B.S. degree would bring me fortune, but it didn’t because I’m not working in the field of my studies. Instead of continuing with my studies, I took the job. I went for the quick moola.
Anyway, to summarize, I switched my major from something I loved to something I liked to make the money. I didn’t take a job in a field that I liked, but took one in a field I almost loath for the money. As it turns out, not much more money.
It’s a sick world when you deny yourself. Take it from me, do what you love, for the money, get a 1-2 year certificate, and you’ll be able to look yourself in the mirror. Like every wise man before has said, don’t do it just for the money.
Ramble on.
Good advice…do what you love, for the money. Get the best of both worlds. The more I think about George Carlin’s video, the more I think he’s got it all figured out. Drats.
Thanks for setting up this blog. It will be nice to see how your dissertation work is coming along (as well as Louie’s feat of making you take much-needed breaks). This information frightens me and has for some time now. I agree with George Carlin. He was one funny guy, but as it turns out…he was one smart man. May George rest in peace but not his ideas. Best of luck in finishing up your dissertation…
I am a graduate of the school of Life, my only claim to higher education.
For years I have been concerned about the stupifying of our children. The lack of quality education in America. I’m glad to see that others
of more means than I also see the problem.
I firmly believe the Education Industry in America needs to be turned completly around.
Our children should not have to leave collage, with vast debt, this is counter productive.
We need fresh minds to find a way out of our educational NIGHTMARE.
Let’s get after it!!!!